Do you wish you could give the best massage? Do you wish you could be an effective massage therapist? If both these questions are true, check out this article. In this article, we compile some of the top massage tips to help you give a great massage just like a pro.

Change your mindset about massage. Instead of thinking of it as a luxury, think of massage as a therapeutic approach to health. Research shows that massage can lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol, as well as lessening asthma symptoms in children. Additionally, those tension headaches are no match for the hands of a skilled massage therapist.

Always be gentle when giving someone else a message. Even if the person you are massaging complains, you should avoid applying too much pressure to their muscles and joints. Unless you have been trained in message therapy, you are more likely to hurt them than to relieve their pain by being more forceful.

If you’re going to get a massage, be sure to eat an extremely light meal before it. If you eat too much, you will not be comfortable during your massage. It is better to have a healthy meal previous to your massage so it will be a pleasant experience.

Consult with your masseuse before the massage. Knowing what will happen during the session will help you to relax. This is also an opportunity for you to discuss any allergies or concerns you may have with products used during the massage. Ask for music if you like, or anything else that will increase your comfort level.

After you have had a massage, it is very important to drink plenty of water. You will be sore because of the toxins that have been released into your system by the massage. If you drink water right after the massage, you can flush these toxins out of your system more quickly.

Before you give a massage, stretch all of the areas that you are planning to use. This means that you will need to stretch your fingers, arms, neck, back and legs so that you can reduce cramps during your massage and get all areas involved. If you are providing a long massage session, stretching is imperative.

Try using your fists to give a good massage. Gently thump on the area that is painful or tense after warming the muscles with a more gentler techniques. Thumping is excellent for circulation and will cause the entire muscle to relax almost instantly. Avoid using this technique on someone who has to take blood thinners to prevent bruising.

If you have any medical conditions, such as you are pregnant, make sure that you let your massage therapist know. Some techniques may not be appropriate for your condition, so it is best to let the therapist know before starting. This will give him or her enough time to adjust techniques.

If you’re getting a sports or deep tissue massage, don’t be scared to talk! You can relax or shut your eyes, but if you feel discomfort, pain or even tightness, don’t be afraid to speak up. You don’t want to be injured, so keep your massage therapist informed.

If you enjoy working out, you should try massaging your muscles before and after exercising. You should pummel your muscles with your fists to improve your circulation before working out and massage your muscles more gently after working out to speed up the recovery process. Make sure you stretch after massaging.

Massage is an important part of spending time at a luxury spa. Although most people cannot afford this type of indulgence on a regular basis, visiting a spa a few times during the year can provide the type of rejuvenation everyone needs from time to time. Enjoy the massage and every other part of your day to the fullest.

If you are having a professional massage, it is important that you make your feelings known. Make them aware of any problem areas or recent injuries. If you experience pain or discomfort, let them know. After all, it is meant to be a relaxing experience.

You should ask for feedback when giving a massage to someone. Remind the person that you have no way of knowing how efficient your massage is if they do not let you know how they feel. Encourage the person to guide you so you can find the area that is tense.

Water is very important to consume subsequent to your massage. Water can help eliminate free radicals from your body.

Ask yourself why it is you’d like a massage. Have you been in a recent car accident? Does your back hurt? Or are you just looking for a method to provide relaxation? Whatever the reason you want a massage, you have to know it so that you can select the right masseuse.

You should take the time to learn more about the human body, especially its muscles and nerves. You will be able to give better massages once you know where sensitive nerve endings are located and have a better idea of where muscles are. You will also understand the pains you experience a lot better once you know more about your body.

Go online for help in selecting a massage therapist. If that doesn’t work, talk to your primary care physician. You can also talk to a nurse or a chiropractor in the area whose work you respect. Professional recommendations are almost as good (if not better) than personal recommendations, particularly if you trust the individual.

Not matter your experience level with massage, you can always stand to improve your technique. The article above gave you some great tips on the art of massage. Take what you’ve learned to heart, and go forward into the wonderful world of massage.